The hive structure at the Pollinator Garden was washed & stained. Bloom boxes have been planted to attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
The East Campus Pollinator Garden with its large hive structure underwent a cleaning and renovation this spring, according to Dr. Doug Golick, associate professor in the Entomology Department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
On May 1, 2022, a work day was held which included 29 Scouts from Troop #93 along with their parents plus eight volunteers from the Department of Entomology. The project was led by Evan Thulin (picture at right in the center) with his father, Nick Thulin (left), and Golick (right). Evan washed and stained the hive structure and spread mulch as a base for the pollinator garden. He is using this project to complete his requirements for the Eagle Scout rank.
"The UNL Bee Lab and The Statewide Arboretum installed a Bloom Box around the structure," said Golick. A Bloom Box is a pre-designed pollinator habitat that offers ready-to-plant pollinator plants to homes, schools, parks, and other private and public lands. The plants provide food and shelter for beneficial insects like pollinators, according to Golick.
On June 6, the University of Nebraska Foundation staff also assisted with renovations by planting pollinator beds for bees and butterflies. This group pictured at left was led by Doug Carr.
Golick said the goal is to continue to renovate the area around the hive structure over the next year. To date, there have been 38 volunteers contributing 168 hours to the project, he said.
"The outcome was excellent and really made the Pollinator Garden much more attractive for visitors," said Dr. John Ruberson, department head for the Entomology Department.